2012 Toyota Camry SE

Fifth place: Hot Six.

Toyota asserts that its seventh-gen Camry has helped lower the average age of buyers from 60 to 52. So soon after the new car’s introduction, how could the marketing guys know? Well, when you sell 28,295 units in January alone—displacing the Chevy Silverado as the second-bestselling vehicle in America—you have quite a sizable demographic pot from which to sample.

This latest Camry adheres limpet-like to the traits of its predecessors. The styling—inside and out—will offend no one, unless you’re offended by interior surfaces that would be appropriate in a budget motel. It’s one thing to fashion fake brushed aluminum out of plastic, but should the surface also feel as if you could scar it with your fingernails?

In city traffic and during crowded commutes, however, the Camry remains an almost narcotically serene place from which to conduct business. The engine produces a distant thrum, “as if it were corked,” said contributor Phil Berg. It was easily the quietest at full throttle. At speed, road noise is muted, yielding near tomb-like silence.

On more entertaining byways, the Camry resists the whip. Brake feel is missing, the electric power steering doesn’t offer much on-center feel, and there’s no lateral seat support. Body motions aren’t exactly sloppy, but they’re undisciplined. Facing this Toyota’s suspension, however, Michigan’s potholes and frost heaves were roundly defeated.

What’s more, the Camry’s back seat proved the most satisfying for three adults. When there were only two men inhabiting that bench, one editor commented, “I could ride—and sleep—back here all day.”

If, after a hectic day, your notion of bliss is driving home in your living room, here’s your automobile. The Camry remains a starter kit for a Lexus, served up at the lowest base price in this group. Historically, that’s been a recipe for profits.

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*AccuPayment estimates payments under various scenarios for budgeting and informational purposes only. AccuPayment does not state credit or lease terms that are available from a creditor or lessor, and AccuPayment is not an offer or promotion of a credit or lease transaction.